Two members of Congress are urging the federal government to take immediate action concerning pillow-like infant loungers, following a media investigation that uncovered a higher number of deaths associated with these products than previously reported by officials.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) expressed concerns about the safety of these loungers in a letter sent to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Friday. They described the loungers as “unnecessary products” that put infants’ lives at risk.
Blumenthal and Schakowsky emphasized the need for a robust regulation that would eliminate pillow-like loungers and similar products that mislead parents into believing they are safe for infant sleep. They believe such a rule is essential to safeguard infants’ well-being.
According to media, at least 25 deaths have been linked to baby loungers since 2015. In September 2021, the federal government issued a recall for over 3 million infant loungers manufactured by The Boppy Company, citing eight reported deaths of infants who suffocated after being placed on the product.
However, media discovered that deaths continue to occur both in Boppy Newborn Loungers and those produced by other manufacturers. The pillowy surface of the loungers can lead to suffocation, and infants may asphyxiate when their bodies become trapped in a position that restricts breathing.
Boppy and other manufacturers have clarified that their loungers were never intended for sleep and have advised consumers against leaving babies unattended. Medical experts, though, argue that newborns can easily fall asleep on cushioned surfaces like loungers, heightening the risk of suffocation and asphyxiation. Images of babies peacefully sleeping in these products frequently circulate on social media.
The CPSC is expected to introduce new safety regulations for infant loungers in the coming weeks. These regulations may include mandatory warning labels and design standards that could effectively ban certain types of loungers, depending on the commission’s requirements. However, the process of implementing new rules will be lengthy and involve public review and feedback.
CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric expressed appreciation for the unwavering commitment of Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Schakowsky in their efforts to ensure the safety of infants. Hoehn-Saric looks forward to their ongoing support as the commission develops performance standards to enhance the safety of these products.
Blumenthal and Schakowsky commended the CPSC for taking legal action against Leachco after the manufacturer refused to cooperate with a recall of its infant lounger. The CPSC had previously reported two deaths associated with Leachco’s product. A hearing for the Safety Commission’s lawsuit against the company is scheduled for August 7.
Leachco has defended the safety of its lounger when used as intended and has filed a countersuit against the federal agency. The company has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Last month, the CPSC issued a warning against using another lounger that was exclusively sold on Amazon after Gorsetle US, the company responsible for the product, refused to cooperate with a recall. The lounger no longer appears to be available on Amazon’s website. Amazon declined to comment, and Gorsetle has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Boppy chose not to comment on the lawmakers’ letter to the CPSC but referred media to its previous criticism of Meta for not doing enough to prevent the sale of recalled loungers on Facebook Marketplace.
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In June, the CPSC and Boppy reissued their recall of the company’s loungers due to their widespread availability on platforms like Facebook. The federal agency stated that two additional deaths linked to the product occurred after the initial recall was announced in 2021.